Meet the Bowens: Happy Half-Birthday!

Today, E is 6 months old! I can't believe she has been with us for half a year.

She went to her 6 month check-up on Thursday and these are her stats:

Weight: 16 lbs 13.5 oz (70th percentile)

Length: 25 in (30th percentile)

Head Circumference: 16.5 in

She also received a third round of immunizations. It was surprising to me when she didn't cry when given the first shot and after the second all I did was pick her up and she stopped crying. I truly feel blessed to have such an easy going child!

This month E started rice cereal. She wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but soon enough she was gobbling it down. Everyone in close proximity to her when she is eating it can tell she is enjoying herself because she makes "nnnnmmmmhhhmm-nnnnnmmmmhhhmm" noises with every bite; just listen to her!

She has also started to show signs of being able to hold her own bottle. Daddy says she doesn't hold it for very long at one time, but it gives him an opportunity to have his hands free to study and take pictures.

With starting rice cereal, E has also started to have smellier diapers and even got a little bum rash. We knew it was bothering her when we were cleaning her up and she started to make a gasping noise. I talked to Cynda about it and she suggested letting her hang out naked in a bit of sun to air it out. E seemed to enjoy it and even fell asleep and the rash has been clearing up!

E loves her Daddy and always wants to be a part of what he is doing. Matthew says she is always more interested in the person who is not holding her, but I can tell that she adores him!

E rolled from her back to her tummy for the first time! It was while she was falling asleep and it took at least 15 minutes to complete if not longer. She is now doing it on a more regular basis and it doesn't take her as long, but it is only to the left and I have yet to catch it on film. When I do try taking a video she almost rolls over then changes her mind! I think a video will have to wait until she is rolling more consistently and fluidly.

This is E right after she rolled over

She is trying to start a new fashion trend!

E laughs more and more and more. Last week she got a kick out of me putting a burp cloth over her face and then removing it and saying "Boo" or "Hi." Now she even removes the cloth herself and laughs. She also thinks it is funny when we touch our forehead to her forehead and say "Bonk."

She is also sitting up a little more and more without support. I make sure to have a pillow behind and and stay close because she still falls back at the slightest wrong move, but she has tried reaching for toys.

She loves to look in the mirror and continues to amuse us with her silly faces. One of our favorites recently is what we refer to as her duck face. She still loves making all sorts of noises and we love to hear and watch her enjoying herself!

E is really getting into the noises she is making!

She went swimming at the Cruzes' apartment again and although she wasn't sure at first, she warmed up to the idea and seemed to enjoy the water. She also spent time wading in a river for the first time when we went camping with friends.

E loves to hang upside down and to be twirled around when someone is holding her in their arms. The verdict is still out on whether or not she likes been thrown up in the air; sometimes she does and sometimes she doesn't. She loves to be bounced in all positions, especially when she is lying on the bed and mommy or daddy jump/press on the bed.

She has put up with a lot of our antics recently. From stuffing her in between the couch cushions and balancing her while sitting in our hands to balancing things on her head; she tolerates it all, and many times with a smile.

We also had a bit of fun with the Photo Booth app on the computer. I know I am biased, but I think she looks cute no matter what...even with bug eyes or an alien shaped head!

E spent a lot of time with friends this month. This was mostly because we have many awesome and gracious friends who have been willing to watch her for a few hours here and there so Matthew could get some schoolwork done while I was bringing home some bacon! We are grateful for the love and support we have been blessed with by the people here in Rochester.

One of E's favorite rituals is when Mom picks her up off the changing table, stands her up and says, "Stick the landing. Ta-dah" and brings both hands above her head in a gymnastics salute.

We finally bought a floor mat similar to the one we borrowed in May and E loves looking at and grabbing all the toys.

E loves her monster. He stays in her crib, keeps her company and comforts her before and after naps. He is a good friend. He lets her chew on him and Matthew and I have often seen her tossing him around and doing wrestling moves on him (like a head lock between her legs).